Foster and his team-mates have jokingly been probing for a steer from Miller on his plans for next season, but they remain in the dark.

Miller is mulling over the contract offer tabled by the club, who remain hopeful he will stay at Pittodrie.

But with the 24-year-old's contract almost at an end, Foster realises 12-goal Miller could go and admits that would be a serious blow.

"We'll just wait and see. Everyone has a joke with him now and then, [about] whether he's staying or going," said Foster. "If the contract's right for him and his family are happy here, then it's down to him.

"We have a laugh and a joke but it'll be him who decides and we won't be able to sway him.

"He's done really well for us this year, he gives us something different. He gives us an aerial threat. He has chipped in with a good few goals. I think he'll be a big loss to us if he goes."

Aberdeen have been strongly linked with a move for Dundee United's Mark Kerr. The midfielder's contract at Tannadice Park expires in the coming weeks and manager Craig Levein admits he will be powerless to stop the 26-year-old leaving if he wishes.

Aberdeen's victory over United on Saturday has brought the gap from third to sixth place down to three points.

If the Dons beat Motherwell at Fir Park on Saturday, that could take them into a share of third.

Aberdeen only squeezed into the top six with victory over Falkirk in their 33rd game, but the prospect of a second straight third-place finish is not as far-fetched as it once seemed.